BF Chapter 47

Before the board meeting began, Xu Shen appeared in Zhan Shili’s office.

 

Zhan Shili was slightly surprised to see him come in: “Something wrong? You could’ve just called me over.”

 

“What difference does it make whether you go to my office or I come to yours?” Xu Shen asked with a smile.

 

There was still a difference. When Zhan Shili went to Xu Shen’s office, it was usually to give a proper work report. But when Xu Shen, the boss himself, deigned to come over here, that wasn’t necessarily the case.

 

Zhan Shili remained seated and said nothing more, watching Xu Shen approach.

 

Xu Shen walked around behind his desk, leaned against it, and reached out to tug on his tie, demanding an explanation: “I heard that the Third Young Master has been coming up here every afternoon lately, bringing you snacks and afternoon tea?”

 

Zhan Shili replied calmly, “If he wants to give them to me, I can’t exactly stop him.”

 

Xu Shen’s fingers tightened around his tie: “You didn’t refuse him either.”

 

“They all end up in the trash anyway,” Zhan Shili pressed his hand down. “No need to be jealous.”

 

Zhan Shili really was good at this. When it came to manipulating people’s hearts, he had truly mastered the art. Even after Xu Zikang caught him two-timing, the more nonchalantly he acted, the more Xu Zikang lowered himself to try and please him, terrified that Zhan Shili would abandon him.

 

This required the innate talent of being a scumbag.

 

Xu Shen gave him a push, stepped forward, and straddled his lap.

 

Zhan Shili reminded him, “The door isn’t locked.”

 

“That’s what you care about now?” Xu Shen abruptly changed the subject. “In the meeting later, Xu Ziren is going to propose letting my godbrother join the board. Do you think Xu Zikang will vote for it or against it? What did you tell him?”

 

Zhan Shili replied in an ordinary tone, “I haven’t said anything to him, but I’m guessing he’ll probably vote with you this time.”

 

“Vote with me to please you so that you won’t get angry?” Xu Shen’s eyes flashed with ridicule. “He really does listen to you.”

 

Zhan Shili didn’t care how he put it: “What are you thinking?”

 

“If he votes with me, I won’t be able to keep acting,” Xu Shen said. He glanced at his watch. “What time does he usually come up to bring you afternoon tea?”

 

Zhan Shili said, “Around this time.”

 

Xu Shen cupped Zhan Shili’s face in both hands, his fingers slowly caressing his face as he stared at him without moving.

 

Zhan Shili guessed what he was up to almost immediately: “What are you doing?”

 

Xu Shen leaned in and kissed him.

 

Zhan Shili let him take the initiative, allowing Xu Shen’s tongue to slip into his mouth, intimately entwined.

 

Xu Shen had done the same thing that night when he was drunk, sitting on top of him and clinging to him for kisses. Except back then, Zhan Shili had stripped him naked, and given how drunk he was, he had been much easier to bully than he was now.

 

Just as they were becoming increasingly reluctant to part, a knock sounded at the door. Xu Shen ignored it completely, and Zhan Shili paid it no mind either.

 

“Nic, are you there?” Xu Zikang’s voice came from outside as he gently pushed open the door to Zhan Shili’s office.

 

The sight before him rooted Xu Zikang to the spot. Xu Shen bit Zhan Shili’s lower lip, then leisurely pulled away and stood up, his thumb brushing over Zhan Shili’s lips one last time: “I’m heading back first. Don’t forget the meeting later.”

 

He didn’t even glance at Xu Zikang before leaving.

 

It took Xu Zikang a long moment to come back to his senses, his voice trembling: “Nic, you two…”

 

Zhan Shili’s attitude was entirely one of, “you saw it, so that’s that,” with no intention of explaining himself whatsoever. After Xu Shen left, he stood as well and gathered the documents on his desk, saying, “Let’s go. It’s time for the meeting.”

 

Fifteen minutes before the meeting began, Xu Shen entered the conference room and took his seat at the chairman’s place. Zhan Shili handed him a document.

 

There still weren’t many people in the conference room. Xu Zikang sat beside Zhan Shili looking utterly lost. As Xu Shen took the document, he deliberately gave Zhan Shili’s hand a squeeze right in front of him and said with a smile, “Thanks, you’ve worked hard.”

 

Zhan Shili nodded: “It’s my job.”

 

Xu Shen looked away, and when his eyes met Xu Zikang’s, he gave him the faintest tug of his lips.

 

Xu Zikang saw the provocation in Xu Shen’s eyes and unconsciously clenched his fingers, his resentment and anger nearly overwhelming the last bit of his reason.

 

Xu Shen’s phone vibrated lightly, and he lowered his eyes to look.

 

Zhan Shili: [Know when to stop. Don’t push him too far.]

 

Xu Shen replied: [Stay out of it.]

 

The others filed in one after another. Xu Ziren was once again the last to arrive, but today he was all smiles. After sitting down, he even took the initiative to greet Xu Shen.

 

It was the first board meeting since that shareholders’ meeting, and anyone could see how pleased with himself Xu Ziren was.

 

Xu Shen had no particular reaction. Seeing that everyone had arrived, he said, “Let’s begin.”

 

The first item on today’s agenda concerned selling off part of their overseas assets to raise cash.

 

Ever since Xu Shen proposed selling off assets, Zhan Shili had contacted several overseas investors through the Ryder Fund, which they had worked with before. All of them were interested in Zhaoqi’s European assets and projects, and preliminary agreements had already been reached.

 

After Zhan Shili explained the situation in detail, Xu Shen said, “Consolidating the projects the company previously invested in across Europe and selling them off in batches would lower the debt ratio of our overseas operations and reduce risk, while also filling the funding gaps in the company’s other ongoing projects. I think it would be a good thing.”

 

Everyone began murmuring and discussing it among themselves.

 

Back then, under Xu Shiji’s direction, Zhaoqi had made an aggressive push into the European market and secured several major projects in monopoly industries, enjoying boundless success for a time. Now they were talking about selling those assets to raise cash. Naturally, no one felt good about it. But with the company’s current financial situation and the need to redeploy its future investment strategy, it really did require a certain amount of resolve.

 

Xu Ziren was the first to question Xu Shen: “You suddenly brought this up, and now you’re saying you’ve already found suitable buyers. Doesn’t this count as acting first and reporting afterward?”

 

Xu Shen answered him, “I reported it to the chairman beforehand, and he supports it. Moreover, I’m submitting it to the board for review before any formal agreements are signed. I don’t see any problem with the procedure.”

 

Xu Ziren said, “You say sell and we sell. These are investment projects involving over a 100 billion. You call this submitting it to the board for review, but you’ve already negotiated with the buyers on your end. Aren’t you just forcing the board to agree to what you’ve decided?”

 

Xu Shen replied coolly, “The CEO previously took it upon himself to divert money from other projects to purchase shares in Xingdu Port. Other than selling assets, I can’t think of another way to remedy the situation. Unless you, Mr. CEO, have a workable solution of your own?”

 

Xu Ziren’s expression darkened, and Xu Shen ignored him after that.

 

Other than selling assets, their options were essentially things like issuing additional shares to raise capital, but even Xu Ziren didn’t bring that up. Given their current circumstances, selling assets really was the best choice; everyone knew that.

 

The other directors asked several more questions about the details, and Zhan Shili answered each of them carefully.

 

No one had any further objections, and the proposal was considered passed.

 

Xu Shen then moved on to the second matter: the complete acquisition of the Xingdu Port construction project.

 

After being tricked over this matter before, Xu Ziren had actually been trying to find a solution as well. He wanted to find another buyer and sell off the shares they had previously acquired, even if it meant taking a small loss. But there were indeed very few buyers willing to take over a mess like this, and those who were interested offered such low prices that it was practically equivalent to giving the shares away for free. Xu Ziren was unwilling to accept that, and there was no way he could justify it to the board either.

 

Even Xu Ziren hadn’t expected Xu Shen to suddenly propose a full acquisition. He asked unhappily, “What need is there to keep throwing money into it now?”

 

Xu Shen didn’t want to explain his real purpose and only said, “If we want to develop it entirely according to our own plans, we have to take over the whole thing. Acquiring only a portion of the shares is the same as buying a dead project, and we wouldn’t be able to do anything with it.”

 

Xu Ziren suppressed his irritation for the time being, deciding not to start a confrontation with him just yet.

 

After Xu Shen finished going through his several agenda items, Xu Ziren suddenly brought up the fact that there was still a vacant seat on the board and said he wanted to recommend someone for it.

 

Xu Shen calmly raised his eyes: “Who does the CEO want to recommend?”

 

Xu Ziren directly told his secretary to bring the person in. Cai Lihao walked through the door and casually dropped into the seat beside Xu Ziren, greeting everyone.

 

Everyone’s expressions changed.

 

Cai Lihao’s appearance as a shareholder last time had already drawn enough attention, but now Xu Ziren had actually brought him into the company and wanted to recommend him for a seat on the board?

 

“Second Young Master, what is the meaning of this?” someone demanded. “This man previously joined forces with Zhuosheng to attack Hong Kong Central Electric, and he—”

 

“Everyone, calm down,” Xu Ziren said. “There were some misunderstandings over what happened last time. There are no eternal enemies in business. Paul is already a Zhaoqi shareholder now, so he certainly has the right to join the board. Besides, he’s brought everyone a welcome gift.”

 

Xu Ziren gestured for Cai Lihao to explain it himself. Cai Lihao raised a brow and told them that he and Herong had secured a new casino license in Singapore. As long as he was allowed onto Zhaoqi’s board, he was willing to share the casino license with Zhaoqi.

 

Xu Ziren explained to everyone, “The Singapore government plans to develop a new artificial island, and a seven-star casino hotel will be built on it. If Zhaoqi can get involved, it would be no worse than that eco-city project in Malaysia.”

 

Xu Shen reminded him coldly, “The chairman has said before that Zhaoqi will not get involved in the casino business.”

 

“Times have changed,” Xu Ziren said dismissively. “If a business makes money, why shouldn’t we do it?”

 

“Exactly,” Cai Lihao’s acting skills were impressive too, and he joined Xu Ziren in ganging up on Xu Shen. “Fourth Young Master Xu, you’re so young. Why is your thinking as old-fashioned as your father’s? If a business makes money, why turn it away? People need to learn to be flexible, or they’ll get easily eliminated by society. I’m a Zhaoqi shareholder now, so it’s not like I’d harm you guys, right?”

 

Xu Shen frowned slightly. Zhan Shili gave a light cough and asked the others, “What does everyone think?”

 

Xu Ziren proceeded to run the numbers for everyone, explaining how much they would invest, how much they could expect in returns after three years and five years, and a net profit margin of over 30% annually. It was difficult not to be tempted.

 

Although Cai Lihao seemed unreliable, he spoke fluently and knowledgeably when asked about the details of his investments, clearly indicating that he had come prepared.

 

Finally, Xu Shen asked, “As far as I know, this project is still in the planning stage and hasn’t even gone out to tender yet. Isn’t it too early to be talking about all this?”

 

Cai Lihao answered with a grin, “It’s not that early. Better to get prepared as soon as possible. If Zhaoqi is willing to let me onto the board, then we’ve got something to talk about.”

 

Xu Shen said directly, “I don’t approve of it. Zhaoqi doesn’t do this kind of business.”

 

Although he was acting in front of everyone, he truly had no intention of letting Zhaoqi get involved in the casino business; this was only an excuse he had come up with to lure in Xu Ziren. It wasn’t that he was particularly noble, but if Zhaoqi really got involved in this kind of business, then the six liang of baijiu he’d drunk that night would basically have gone to waste.

 

The more Xu Shen opposed it, the more determined Xu Ziren was to have his way, aiming to embarrass Xu Shen: “We can discuss the project later. As for letting Paul onto the board, why don’t we vote on it today?”

 

At present, the two of them had roughly equal support on the board. The only variable was Xu Zikang. Xu Ziren’s intentions were painfully obvious: he wanted to add another supporter to his side.

 

Xu Shen’s expression darkened. The others wore varying expressions but said nothing. Xu Ziren mocked him: “Surely the acting chairman hasn’t already predicted the result before we’ve even voted and is too afraid to put it to a vote?”

 

Xu Shen remained expressionless and silent for a moment before speaking: “Then let’s vote.”

 

After saying this, he turned to look at Zhan Shili. Zhan Shili lifted his chin slightly, signaling for him not to worry.

 

Xu Zikang had been distracted the whole time, but only now did he notice the exchange of glances between them and lower his eyes. Not listening to Zhan Shili at the last shareholders’ meeting had already made Zhan Shili angry. He really didn’t want to do it again, but Xu Shen was simply being far too brazen…

 

When the voting results came out, Xu Shen watched darkly as Xu Ziren got his way and basked in his triumph, while inwardly he couldn’t stop laughing.

 

“Everyone can see the result,” Xu Ziren said, his gaze falling on Xu Shen, mockery in his eyes. “Once it passes review at the shareholders’ meeting, this resolution will officially take effect. The acting chairman has no objections, I assume?”

 

Xu Shen met his gaze coldly before finally saying calmly, “No objections.”

 

The meeting ended, and everyone began leaving one after another. Xu Shen remained seated.

 

Once almost everyone had left, Xu Ziren got up as well. As he passed by Xu Shen, he patted him on the shoulder: “Fourth Brother, you’re still a little too green to go up against me.”

 

Xu Shen didn’t react much. He only glanced at Cai Lihao beside him, who looked equally pleased with himself, and said frostily: “You found yourself a good helper.”

 

Xu Ziren left with Cai Lihao in high spirits.

 

Xu Shen gestured to Zhan Shili and his secretary: “Let’s go.”

 

“Nic!”

 

As they got up, Xu Zikang, who had remained silent the entire time, reflexively called out to Zhan Shili. Zhan Shili ignored him and left together with Xu Shen.

 

Back in the office, Zhan Shili locked the door behind them as soon as they entered. Xu Shen, who had been walking ahead of him, turned around, and the corners of his mouth that had been drooping lifted as he instantly broke into a grin.

 

“How was my performance just now?”

 

“Young Master Shen is very good at acting,” Zhan Shili praised him. “If I hadn’t known beforehand, even I would’ve been fooled by you.”

 

“Tch.”

 

He walked to his desk: “That idiot Xu Zikang predictably tried to stab me in the back for Xu Ziren again after I provoked him. What expression do you think Xu Ziren will have when he finds out Brother Paul is my person?”

 

Zhan Shili followed him over and reached out to pull him back, not letting Xu Shen sit down. When Xu Shen looked at him in confusion, Zhan Shili wrapped an arm around his waist and lifted him onto the desk with one hand.

 

Xu Shen had only just managed to steady himself when Zhan Shili planted both hands on either side of his body and leaned in close: “Your person?”

 

Xu Shen caught the faint displeasure in his eyes and couldn’t help laughing: “Is there a problem?”

 

“Say that again,” Zhan Shili said in a dangerous tone. “Who’s ‘your person’?”

 

The smile in Xu Shen’s eyes deepened: “Don’t be so petty…”

 

Zhan Shili reminded him, “I don’t like hearing that kind of thing.”

 

“So domineering,” Xu Shen said, gently stroking his face. “You’re even jealous of my godbrother. How am I supposed to settle all those romantic debts of yours with you?”

 

Under Zhan Shili’s unwavering stare, Xu Shen laughed for a while before changing his wording: “All right, stop being jealous. He’s my brother, and you, well, you’re my super darling.”

 

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